{"id":5158,"date":"2025-10-01T11:22:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rushmypassport.com\/blog\/?p=5158"},"modified":"2025-10-03T17:43:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:43:56","slug":"can-you-get-a-passport-during-a-government-shutdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rushmypassport.com\/blog\/can-you-get-a-passport-during-a-government-shutdown\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Update: Can You Get a Passport During a Government Shutdown?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are traveling soon and you need your passport during a<\/span> government shutdown,<\/span><\/a> you need to apply for your passport immediately. Notably, during prior government shutdowns, passport offices were often operational only while funds lasted. <\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, routine processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks when applying directly through the Department of State. Should you need a passport sooner, a <\/span>private expediting company<\/span><\/a> may be worth looking into. This can trim the processing time for passports down to as little as one week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Government Shutdown Passport Availability<\/h2>\n

The government has shut down 22 times since 1976, and every time there\u2019s a shutdown, government services are impacted. As discussion arises of another government shutdown, travelers continue to worry if passport services will be available.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got an international trip planned, you\u2019re probably wondering how this could impact you. Can you get a passport during a government shutdown?<\/span><\/p>\n

The answer depends on the type of shutdown when it happens. If the passport offices are still open, it may be possible but it could take longer than usual. That\u2019s because passport services are funded in part by application fees. So, there\u2019s usually some money available to continue services even if Congress doesn\u2019t pass a funding bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

In January 2018, for example, <\/span>the State Department stated<\/span><\/a>, \u201cConsular operations domestically and abroad will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations.\u201d That includes passport services. However, with the current pending shutdown, passport processing will likely be impacted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you get a passport during a government shutdown? Yes, but be prepared to wait.<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can get a passport during a government shutdown, but be prepared to wait. However, if you have a trip planned and there\u2019s the threat of a shutdown, you should apply for a passport as soon as possible. Don\u2019t wait until the last minute! If you find yourself worried about upcoming travel, you may consider using an <\/span>expedited service.<\/span><\/a> We can help you understand all of your rush passport processing options.<\/span><\/p>\n

The State Department may still be open for business, but it won\u2019t be business as usual. Some staff may be furloughed, which means that processing times could increase.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re in a hurry, watch out. Post offices will remain open. However, passport agencies, which serve people traveling within two weeks, may close down if they are located inside a federal building.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get a passport during a government shutdown<\/h2>\n

If you need a passport during a government shutdown, here\u2019s how to get one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1: Collect your documents.<\/span><\/h3>\n

What do you need to get a passport? It depends, but we\u2019ve put together guides for the most common situations below:<\/span><\/p>\n